On Friday Evening twelve members of the Wyckoff Fire Department attended Flashover Training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah.

This training will assist our members in recognizing the signs of a potential flashover condition that may occur. Flashover occurs when heat generated by a fire can no longer be absorbed by the ceilings, walls and room contents. Heat then begins to radiate back toward the room, raising the temperature of unburned gases, room contents, walls and flooring. At approximately 750 degrees the entire room ignites creating a condition called flashover.

Firefighters wear protective clothing referred to as turn out gear to protect themselves, however a flashover creates such extreme temperatures, the turnout gear cannot provide adequate protection to firefighters.  A firefighter caught in a flashover condition only has approximately 2 seconds to escape the conditions before being overcome.

Congratulations to the twelve members who attended this very important training event!